MPs demand severe limits on Taser use and ask for an inquiry by the Home Affairs Select Committee

3.28.34pm GMT Wed 17th Dec 2008

Following the news report released today by Amnesty International which revealed that 90% of those who died after being stunned with a Taser were unarmed, Tom Brake MP, Home Affairs Spokesman for the Liberal Democrats and member of the Home Affairs Select Committee is asking for a Home Affairs Select Committee inquiry into the use of Tasers.

An EDM published in Parliament today by Tom Brake MP urges the Government to limit the use of Taser guns.

Tom said, "Amnesty's report throws serious doubts on the Home Office's claim that Tasers are a non-lethal weapon.

"It is vital that we have an in-depth inquiry from the Select Committee into the use of Tasers before they are commonplace on British streets.

"There are already serious concerns that giving more officers use of Tasers is taking us on the slippery slope to fully-armed, US-style policing."

Last month, Jacqui Smith extended the use of Tasers to 10,000 police officers all across the UK after trial in 10 police forces.